1. Chemical interactions at the interface of Au on ▫$Bi_2 Se_3$▫ topological insulatorMatjaž Valant, Sandra Gardonio, Saul Estandia, Mattia Fanetti, Andrey Vladimirovich Matetskiy, Polina M. Sheverdyaeva, Paolo Moras, Vasiliki Tileli, 2024, original scientific article Published in RUNG: 01.10.2024; Views: 158; Downloads: 1
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3. Single crystal synthesis and surface electronic structure of Bi_{1.993}Cr_{0.007}Se_{3}Sandra Gardonio, Zipporah Rini Benher, Mattia Fanetti, Paolo Moras, Polina M. Sheverdyaeva, Matjaž Valant, 2024, original scientific article Keywords: topological insulators, magnetic atoms, crystal synthesis, formation of clusters, surface electronic structure
Published in RUNG: 21.08.2024; Views: 520; Downloads: 6
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4. Understanding the in-situ transformation of ▫$Cu_xO$▫ interlayers to increase the water splitting efficiency in NiO/n-Si photoanodesChao Feng, Zhi Liu, Huanxin Ju, Andraž Mavrič, Matjaž Valant, Jie Fu, Beibei Zhang, Yanbo Li, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The buried interface tens of nanometers beneath the solid-liquid junction is crucial for photocarrier extraction, influencing the overall efficiency of photoelectrochemical devices. Precise characterization of the interfacial properties is essential for device optimization but remains challenging. Here, we directly probe the in situ transformation of a CuxO interlayer at the NiO/n-Si interface by hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is found that Cu(I) in the CuxO interlayer gradually transforms to Cu(II) with air exposure, forming an energetically more favorable interface and improving photoanode’s efficiency. Based on this finding, a reactive e-beam evaporation process is developed for the direct deposition of a CuO interlayer, achieving a half-cell solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 4.56% for the optimized NiO/CuO/n-Si heterojunction photoanode. Our results highlight the importance of precision characterization of interfacial properties with advanced hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in guiding the design of efficient solar water-splitting devices.
Keywords: photo anode, energy harvesting, nickel oxide, interface
Published in RUNG: 01.08.2024; Views: 756; Downloads: 8
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5. Back to the future with emerging iron technologiesAndreea Oarga-Mulec, Uroš Luin, Matjaž Valant, 2024, review article Abstract: Here is a comprehensive overview of iron's potential in low-carbon energy technologies, exploring applications like metal fuel combustion, iron-based batteries, and energy-carrier cycles, as well as sustainable approaches for production and recycling with a focus on reducing environmental impact. Iron, with its abundance, safety, and electrochemical characteristics, is a promising material to contribute to a decarbonized future. This paper discusses the advancements and challenges in iron-based energy storage technologies and sustainable iron production methods. Various innovative approaches are explored as energy storage solutions based on iron, like advancements in thermochemical Fe–Cl cycles highlight the potential of iron chloride electrochemical cycles for long-term high-capacity energy storage technology. Additionally, the utilization of iron as a circular fuel in industrial processes demonstrates its potential in large-scale thermal energy generation. Sustainable iron production methods, such as electrolysis of iron chloride or oxide and deep eutectic solvent extraction, are investigated to reduce the carbon footprint in the iron and steel industry. These findings also show the importance of policy and technology improvements that are vital for the widespread use and recycling of iron-based tech, stressing the need for collaboration toward a sustainable future.
Keywords: iron's potential, low-carbon energy technologies
Published in RUNG: 02.07.2024; Views: 984; Downloads: 6
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6. Covalent-organic frameworks for luminescent sensorsTina Škorjanc, Matjaž Valant, 2024, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: In summary, this chapter discussed the richness of COFs that have been utilized in luminescence-based sensing of various analytes. Literature reports were classified based on the analyte type and a section was dedicated to each explosive compounds, metal cations, biological molecules, pH, VOCs, amines and water, anions, and enantiomers. Different design strategies implemented to develop sensors for each analyte were highlighted as were the detection mechanisms and key parameters of the performance, such as
LODs. In comparison to the state-of-the-art prior to 2020, we note several changes in the most recent developments of luminescent COF sensors.
Keywords: ensors, covalent organic frameworks, fluorescence, biosensor, explosives
Published in RUNG: 01.07.2024; Views: 733; Downloads: 2
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10. Designing atomic interface in ▫$Sb_2S_3/CdS$▫ heterojunction for efficient solar water splittingMinji Yang, Zeyu Fan, Jinyan Du, Chao Feng, Ronghua Li, Beibei Zhang, Nadiia Pastukhova, Matjaž Valant, Matjaž Finšgar, Andraž Mavrič, Yanbo Li, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: In the emerging Sb2S3‐based solar energy conversion devices, a CdS buffer layer prepared by chemical bath deposition is commonly used to improve the separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs. However, the cation diffusion at the Sb2S3/CdS interface induces detrimental defects but is often overlooked. Designing a stable interface in the Sb2S3/CdS heterojunction is essential to achieve high solar energy conversion efficiency. As a proof of concept, this study reports that the modification of the Sb2S3/CdS heterojunction with an ultrathin Al2O3 interlayer effectively suppresses the interfacial defects by preventing the diffusion of Cd2+ cations into the Sb2S3 layer. As a result, a water‐splitting photocathode based on Ag:Sb2S3/Al2O3/CdS heterojunction achieves a significantly improved half‐cell solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency of 2.78% in a neutral electrolyte, as compared to 1.66% for the control Ag:Sb2S3/CdS device. This work demonstrates the importance of designing atomic interfaces and may provide a guideline for the fabrication of high‐performance stibnite‐type semiconductor‐based solar energy conversion devices.
Keywords: alumina, defect passivation, interface engineering, photoelectrochemical water splitting
Published in RUNG: 11.03.2024; Views: 1189; Downloads: 3
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